AUSTRALIAN

Hokitika Guardian, 12 February 1920, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN

* Grsrn/UAN A s.z. caiji.e association]

HOLD-UP OF FUNDS

SYDNEY, Feb. 11

The Federal Cabinet’s action in locking up the funds of the marine engineers has caused considerable excitement in all Labour Union circles. The Institute of Engineers view the move of the Government with equanimity. * , The engineers nevertheless regart tho proclamation as being used as a means to prevent the Engineers Institute carrying out their proposal tor purchasing tho Island Fleet of Burns, Phillip and Cp. , Otherwise ,beyond seeking local atvice, the Engineers’ Union officials refuse to discuss the position. I adopt this stand owing to the fact tha the action taken is under the A\ ai 1 - terms of the Proclamation, one Bank has already refused an engineer permission to withdiav . . portion of his own private account.

APPLICATION HELD OVER. (Received This Day at UJ2O. anr. MELBOURNE, This Da*. Mr Hughes states tha! the tion is not, intended to apply to the tn gineers private banking accounts. Commonwealth steamship covers » .ranted a rule nisi for the cancellation of the registration of the Institute of Marine Engineers, Justice Higgins” ” ing ho would require a much st on e case to induce him to deregister the un ion. '

FIJI RIOTS. SUVA, Feb. 11As a result of the Indian riots this afternoon at Toornk, Suva about two hundred Indians were arrested and lt military called out. Three spec ini constables were wounded and sent to hospital. All is T.iet now. FEDER AL PO.I JTTC&. SYDNEY, Feb. 10. Mr Holman delivering a policy speech at Melbourne, said Parliament was dissolving immediately and tl“ elections would bo held on March -fith. Government proposed to introduce a scheme of motherhood endowment, special allowances being made to mothers with three <>r more children |„ augmentation of the recent increase in a living wage it was also proposed to establish a fund to support families of consumptives undergoing cure. , After reviewing the Government s efforts to increase production Mr Holman outlined vigorous developmental schemes to promote settlement am open the country, including extensive hydroelectric schemes, roaflorostatiou of five million acres and water conservation anil irrigation. Referring « assistance given to farmers, he said £120,000 bad so far been disbursed and a further million set apart. In regali to tbe charge of extravagance levelled at Government, Mr Holman stated the increased cost of Government was not due to extravagance but to the depreciated value of money and mereased cost of living. Referring to the attitude the workers charter under the Federal Government, who secured full freedom in work against risks m districts unhealthy, dangerous conditions, sweating, and oppression. Government were establishing IMutloy Councils in connection with government employment and would proceed immediately with a scheme tor treatment of V.D., and establishing maternity hospitals and rest homes. He concluded Government will encourage : and support the paper making industry ' and would assist private enterprise to • establish mills. Government would al- ■ so aid the inauguration of commercial aviation.